Winter Snowflake Keyhole Head Warmer Crochet Pattern.

Winter Snowflake Keyhole Head Warmer.

I few weeks ago when I started making keyhole head warmers, I had no idea that I would end up doing 5 different stitch designs. It just sort of happened.! I'd finish one and then there would be another stitch idea in my head that was clammering to get out.

This is the final in the series of five and I have to say I rather like this one.

Winter Snowflake Keyhole Head Warmer uses many of the design features of the other Head Warmers in the series, but its main body is done in Waistcoat Stitch. This give a fabulous basis for the Cross-stitch snowflake pattern that is worked on it.

Easy Level

The pattern is available on Ravelry (click here). You have the option of purchasing all five of the series at a discounted price if you wish. Add all five to your basket and use the code ‘five’.
Five patterns included in this.
Autumn Snowflake Keyhole Head Warmer
Not for Summer Keyhole Head Warmer
Spring Arrows Keyhole Head Warmer
Winter Snowflake Keyhole Head Warmer
Winter Sunset Keyhole Head Warmer.

and Etsy (click here).

Series of Five: All pattern available on my ravelry store Auburncraft Crochet.
Centre Top: Winter Snowflake Keyhole Head Warmer
Left Top: Winter Sunset Keyhole Head Warmer
Left Bottom: Spring Arrows Keyhole Head Warmer
Right: Autumn Snowdrops Keyhole Head Warmer
Bottom: Not For Summer Keyhole Head Warmer

This pattern can worked in varying yarns due to its nature. Size is determined by the length of the head band and the amount of rows worked. While size can be adjusted easily for the circumference of the head and height can be adjusted by omiting rounds, due to the snowflake pattern this head warmer is best suited to teen or adult sizing.

Two contrasting yarns are used to gain maximum impact with the cross stitch that is worked over the Waistcoat Stitch to form the Snowflakes

It is assumed that you have prior knowledge of cross stitch. A small graph is included with the Snowflake pattern, instructions for stitch placement are included.

Materials
4.5mm
C1=1 x Lion Brand A Touch of Alpaca Purple Aster. Available here (click). Approx 70m/76yd used.
C2= 1 x Lion Brand A Touch of Alpaca Cream. Available here (click). 150m/164yd used.
Tapestry Needle
1 x 40mm/1.5-inch Button
Scissors
Stitch Markers.

Lion Brand A Touch of Alpaca. Links to yarn available in the Materials section.

As usual with my patterns, getting them through the test process is always a process. This could not be achieved without the input and work done by my pattern testers. Below are a few examples of their work.

Top Left: Test Head Warmer by Michelle Rose. Made using Caron Simply soft
Bottom: Test Head Warmer by Mirjam Annaars. Made using Zeeman Royal in Vintage Pink and Cream.
Right: Test Head Warmer by Cindy Cary. Made using Caron Simply soft.

Caron Simply Soft is available here (click here).

Now to the boring stuff!

This pattern contains affiliate links.

This pattern has been tested by a large group with varying abilities in crochet.

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.

Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.

You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.

Not For Summer Keyhole Head Warmer Crochet Pattern

I bounced out of bed this morning knowing that today was a pattern launching sort of day.

I had a spring to my step that can only be achieved when a pattern has made its way through testing and is ready to leave home and find its way to places like ravelry and etsy. I put the finishing touches on my pdf and kissed 'Not For Summer Keyhole Head Warmer' goodbye and pressed the publish button.

Pattern Available on Ravelry (click here).

Etsy (click here).

Lovecrafts (click here)

Not For Summer Keyhole Head Warmer

So now for the tedious task of getting it out there on social media.If you would like to save 20% off the cost of the pattern, join the facebook group 'Two Redheads Crochet' (Click here) as I am designer of the month and only those members have access to the code.If you see my baby (Not For Summer Keyhole Head Warmer) making its way around some of the social groups and looking a little lost, please give it some encouragement. It's a big world out there and it is only a baby!

Easy Level

Adding to my collection of Keyhole Head Warmers and introducing, Not For Summer Keyhole Head Warmer. This is the Fourth Head Warmer in the Collection.

This is a unique design featuring the Keyhole.

This can be made from varying yarns due to the nature of the pattern. Size is determined by the length of the ribbed band and the amount of rows worked.
The pattern comes with separate copies for Uk terms and USA terms. It has many photos to help along the way.

Suggested Materials:
4mm/G hook
C1=1 x Rare Essentials Cocoon Persimmon Alpaca and Merino Dk 50g ball. Approx 70m/76yd used
C2=1 x The Homeground Collection in Dye free Alpaca Dk 50g ball. 100m/110yd. Approx 70m/76yd used.
C3= 1 x Cleckheaton Country Dk White approx 35m/38yd used.
Tapestry Needle
1 x 40mm/1.5-inch Button
Scissors
Stitch Markers

While any Dk weight yarn can be used for this project, I found an Alpaca yarn to be a great option. This is another available substitute to the suggested yarn, King Cole Baby Alpaca Dk (click here).

My pattern testers as usual did a Fab-U-LOUS job and produced some really lovely Head Warmers. A huge thanks to them for their efforts!


Right top and Right Bottom: Test Head Warmers by Sheri DeBacker Mc Crork. : Made using Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Dk lakeside. Paintbox Dk in Midnight Blue and Duck egg.
Top Left:  Test Head Warmer by Shaunna Hallon.  Made from  Lion Brand Ice-Cream Scoop and Bernat Softee Baby.
Right Bottom: Test Head Warmer made by Sharon Heard.  Made using Panda Magnum 8ply
Centre Bottom: Test Head Warmer made by Tammy Taylor.  Made using Magic Lite Dk
Centre: Test Head Warmer made by Jane Wynne. Made using Moda Vera Florentine

TO FIND SOME OF THE YARNS MY TESTERS USED CLICK ON THE NAMES BELOW:

Lion Brand Ice-Cream Scoop.

Bernat Softee Baby.

Now to the boring Stuff!

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.

Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.

You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns

This post may contain affliliate links

What is an Afghan?

I was asked the other day, what is an Afghan?

Now, this question was asked in a facebook group dedicated to crochet, and I know what popped straight into my head, me being a self confessed Hooker.  But the word covers so much more and it very much depends upon who you ask, as to the answer you will get......

Afghan Dog!

If you ask a dog lover you will be told that an Afghan is a very tall, hairy dog with a pointed nose.  Yep, that is true!

A

AFGHANISTAN!

If you ask a person who paid attention at school, or maybe lives there,  they will tell you:  An Afghan is a person native to Afghanistan.   Again right!

If you bother to look the word up in the online Dictionary it states:

a native or inhabitant of Afghanistan

A blanket or shawl of colored yarn knitted or crocheted in strips or squares. 

 Turkoman carpet of large size and long pile woven in geometric designs.

Afghan Hound: A tall hunting dog of a breed with long silky hair.


Afghan Blanket!

A Crochet Afghan

But getting back to what us Hookers know as the only RELEVANT meaning of the word, that being crochet blankets: Afghans come in a huge array of styles, shapes etc.

This gives me a very amusing visual of a person of Afghanistan origin, sitting on an Afghan carpet, with their Afghan dog, crocheting an Afghan. Who knows they could even be in Afghanistan doing this.

If you are going to be really fussy about what a Crochet Afghan is, then it specifically refers to a blanket made from Tunisian Crochet. Of course those who are not proficient in Tunisian Crochet will claim the word Afghan as being relevant for any crochet blanket. Right or wrong is anyones guess!!

It may well be that we all just prefer the word 'Afghan'. If someone claims 'Oh, what a beautiful blanket you are making', we can respond, 'Oh no, It is actually an Afghan!'. Certainly sounds just a little more special.

Afghans can be made in one solid piece (which is usually the case in Tunisian Crochet), motifs joined together, crochet squares and strips. How versatile is that! And the word 'Afghan' does sound so much more interesting than just a boring old blanket.

Must get back to making my latest Afghan Crochet!!! I need it to take on my trip to Afghanistan! May take my dog who would like to be an Afghan hound but isn't (Cocker Spaniel).

My prize winning AFGHAN BLANKET

Crochet Headwarmers

Introducing: Winter Sunset Keyhole Headwarmer and Autumn Snowdrops Keyhole Headwarmer.

Left: Winter Sunset Keyhole Headwarmer
Right: Autumn Snowdrops Keyhole Headwarmer

The Patterns can be found on Ravelry: Uk and US terms available.

(Click Here) Winter Sunset Keyhole Headwarmer

(Click Here) Autumn Snowdrops Keyhole Headwarmer

And on Etsy:

Click Here) Autumn Snowdrops Keyhole Headwarmer

(Click Here) Winter Sunset Keyhole Headwarmer

There are a million patterns for Headwarmers floating around online and trying to design something that is unique and not like others is a bit like re-designing the wheel.

I kind of think I have achieved success in making these something new and unique.

Both of these can be made to suit varying head sizes, simply by adjusting the length of the band and the amount of rows worked.

Suitable for most yarn weights. Adjust your hook to suit.

Both Headwarmers feature the unique keyhole design.

Winter Sunset Keyhole Headwarmer is made using Camel Stitch to create a feature pattern, and Autumn Snowdrops Keyhole Headwarmer is worked mainly using the Tapestry or Intarsia Technique.

These are quick and easy projects, that can also use up some of that scrap yarn you may have stashed away.

As stated any yarn can be used but here is the Material Lists:

Autumn Snowdrops Keyhole Headwarmer

Materials:
4.5mm hook
C2=1 x Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury 10ply/Aran in Curry. 300m/328yds per ball. 100m/109yds approx usage.
C1=2 x Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury 10ply/Aran in Cream. 300m/328yds per ball. 200m/218yds approx usage.
Tapestry Needle
1 x 40mm/1.5-inch Button

Winter Sunset Keyhole Headwarmer

Materials
4mm/G hook
C1=1 x Rare Essentials Cerise Alpaca and Merino Dk 50g ball. 100m/110yd. Approx 70m/76yd used
C2=2 x The Homeground Collection in Dye free Alpaca Dk 50g ball. 100m/110yd. Approx 150m/164yd used.
Tapestry Needle
1 x 40mm/1.5-inch Button
Stitch Markers

What would Designers do without Testers? Testing is a very important part of the design process. I know I could not do without them.

Top left: Ruth Tipping test Head Warmer.  Made from For the Love of Yarn in Dark Purple and Lilac.
Top Right: Bethany Colhoff test Head Warmer. Made from Loops and thread.
Bottom Right: Jenny Hinton test Head Warmer.  Made from Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury 10ply in Mulled Wine and Stone.
Middle Left: Test Head Warmer by Bethany Colhoff made with Loops and Thread.
Middle Right: Test Head Warmer by Sharon C Coys Elderton.  Made using Stylecraft Special Dk.
Bottom Left: Test Head Warmer by Nikki Barker made with Red Heart Soft in Grape and White.
Top Right: Test Head Warmer by Bethany Colhoff made with Loops and Thread.
Top Middle: Test Head Warmer by Sonia Bowmar-Scothern. Made from Hand dyed Merino Dk from Siobhans Crafts.


Boring Stuff:

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.

Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern.

You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.

Why I Make?

Where to start?

Asking the question as to why I make is a little like asking someone why they breathe!

Lovecrafts Blogger Awards. Link to Lovecrafts https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-au/l/yarns My blog may not be the biggest or have the most followers, but it is mine!!!

I always tell people that I crochet because punching people is frowned upon. But of course there is more to it than that! Being creative is who I am and so I guess crochet is my happy place.

My most recent Design Only One Woof Cushion. Pattern available soon on Lovecrafts

I have always had the need to create. Just you try and stop me, it won't be pleasant!!!.

Even when very young, I used to make clothes for my dolls out of scraps of material. They were not particularly all that good, but I thought they were.

I am not really an extroverted type of person and don't feel the need to be out there in front of everyone, but when it came to being creative, I was always the weirdo in the hand painted jeans, or the tie-dyed head scarf.

As I got older and had my own home, nothing was safe from my creative hands. The picot fences had flowers painted on them, so did the letterbox and front gates. I painted pictures on the doors inside the house and carefully painted flowers or pictures on the power point covers throughout. Art work is everywhere at my place and I recently began producing resin art pieces as well.

One of my Resin Art Pieces

My kids had paper mache piggy banks and their rooms became works of art. My daughter wanted fluro pink walls with tiny daisies painted on them. My husband shook his head, but he painstakingly marked out intervals on these fluro walls so I could add the tiny white daisies, one by one. Her curtains had hand threaded beads on them, which took me forever to do.

I spent a lot of time with beads and sequins adorning Ballet and dance costumes for her as well during all her dance years.

My sons who were motocross riders had finish flags for curtains and handmade blankets with the motorbike brand logos on them.

Then they all went and grew up!

My youngest still raced motocross and supercross and for anyone who knows about this sport, for mothers it is a lesson in how to manage stress. I had the basics of crochet and knitting taught to me by my grandmother and had done a little of each throughout the years, but now I needed something to stop me climbing up the walls whilst my youngest child sped by on his motorbike, jumping huge mounds of dirt as he went, all the while with other riders slamming into him and basically making a mother want to jump the railing and send them all to the naughty corner for attempting to hurt my little boy!!!

My son #14 getting the holeshot at an outdoor event. Talk about stressful for a mother.

This began my real journey into the crochet world. There I would be, in the pits at a National event as my son prepared for his next race. As the line of bikes all revved up in anticipation of the start flag, I would be clutching my crochet hook and trying very hard not to have a melt down. I have stood in stadiums full to capacity of over 35000 people waving my crochet hook in encouragement as my son raced by. As he progressed in his career I would at times be sitting up in the middle of the night, glued to a computer, hook in hand, furiously working on another crochet design, while watching my son race overseas in Germany, USA or half a dozen other countries.

Crocheting in the pits at a National Motocross Event.

I can truly recommend crochet as a stress reliever and great for anxiety!!! I would also strongly suggest never letting your child take up motocross/supercross racing.

Designing crochet is something that comes easily to me and ideas are always whirling around in my head. I don't have a specific niche of how I design. I do what makes me happy, I make with yarns that make me happy. If a yarn is calling to me then I really must answer.

I appreciate all the outlets such as Lovecrafts that allow me to publish my designs, although I sometimes wonder if they don't add something addictive to their yarns that make you want more and more. They wouldn't do that, would they?

I can't say I have a favourite yarn, although I tend to gravitate towards anything purple. Dangle a purple skein of yarn in front of me and I will happily watch it for hours. Give me a hook to go with that skein and I will turn that yarn into something beautiful!

Gotta love purple! Left: Porcupine Peak Vest. Middle Bottom: Clematis Shawl. Middle Top: Wish Upon a Star Cushion. Right; Freeform Vest . Click on each name for a link to go to the pattern available on Lovecrafts.

If you haven't had a go at crochet then get to it, especially if one of your children decides to take up a dangerous pursuit!!!!! And if anyone questions why you need that extra ten skeins of yarn, just tell them it is therapy yarn..

Only One Woof Cushion.

Some days are good days and then you have the great days where your design is ready to be published! Today is one of those days!!!

Click here for a link to the pattern on Ravelry.

Click here for a link to the pattern on Etsy.

Only One Woof Cushion

If you have a ton of Chenille yarn (or you can use other yarn) hanging about, left over from making pumpkins or scrunchies, then you will love this pattern.

This is an Easy level project with basic stitches. Finishing touches require Surface Slip Stitch and the edging is done with Crab Stitch.

Why the name?

The name for this cushion comes from the Children’s book by James Herriot that I used to read to my kids. It is the story of a dog who never barks. He is separated from his puppy playmate. One day they are reunited, and he gives just one bark, the only bark he ever makes.

I first made this cushion for my mother quite a few years back, and at the time I did not bother to write it up. Mum still has it on her bed. I thought it time I got around to making another one and this time writing it up.

The pattern comes with separate copies for Uk terms and USA terms. It has many photos to help along the way.

A different colourway. Made using Green with purple trim.

BORING BUT IMPORTANT STUFF!!!! Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern, You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns.

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.

Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design.

This post may contain affiliate links. These links help to keep my blog open.

Not an Original Idea in Their Heads!!!

I was sent a screenshot recently by a designer friend. It was of a post in a Facebook Crochet Group. The person who posted this was basically looking for affirmation, and for people to say that her actions are okay.

What had this person done? They had seen a lovely crochet item, painstakingly designed by someone with creativity. The designer had gone to the bother of publishing this works and taking some fabulous photos of the design to promote it. It is a slow process from idea to pattern, filled with testing calls and hours of editing, photography, along with producing the item itself.

Along comes the person who posted the question and sees this incredible work. They want one. They enlarge the photo and lo and behold they can see each and every stitch. Did they buy this pattern from this creative designer? Nope!! They decided that they could reproduce it from the stitches in the picture and did so. Now they want others to tell them , sure it's okay, you go ahead and do this.

The majority of comments on this question posed, were others claiming loudly that, sure it's okay, everyone does it. Why would you bother to buy the pattern? Many people congratulated the person for having the ability to copy a designers work, claiming that if they are of a standard to be able to copy then it is more than fine for them to do so. The catch phrase of 'Everyone Does it' was ringing loudly.

One person exclaimed that if a designer is silly enough to publish a pattern that an intermediate crocheter could copy then it is their own fault, and why would they bother to publish an easy pattern anyway? This person also exclaimed that they just use the pictures to inspire them and anyway, the finished item won't be exact stitch for stitch, so therefore its really alright to do it.

Several designers and group members tried to explain just how morally wrong it is to do what was done, but most of those posting really didn't care!!!

Who cares that patterns have to go through the ideas stage, on to the make stage, then the test stage and finally publishing? Who cares that a design can be months in the making and producing? Hey, if you can just copy it and steal someones idea, then why bother to pay a couple of dollars for the pattern?

I know where I stand on this!!!

Just because you can copy a designers work does not mean it is right!

So if you are thinking about making one of my designs by enlarging a promotion photo of it, and reproducing it that way, please think again. It is wrong!!!! If you want to wing something, then by all means do so and don't cheat by stealing someone elses intellectual property.

And I applaude those few who stood tall and told the many that they support designers and their work. Thank you to them!!!

This is my opinion and if you don't like it please move along!!! Or enjoy the read, it's all RELATIVE!!!!

The main photo on this post is of my wonderful testers completed Fishing for Luck Shawls. The work they do is very much appreciated.

For a link to the pattern on Ravelry (CLICK HERE)

Crochet Anywhere!

Crochet can be a very useful item in so many ways when travelling!!!

I recently had the need to travel interstate to Far North Queensland.

Only going for a few days, I wanted to pack lightly. This, of course did not apply to my crochet. Crochet falls into the 'Must Have' category when travelling. Who cares if I wear the same clothes for three days? As long as the crochet fits in the suitcase, all is good!

I packed my smallish suitcase with my usual care (everything got thrown in at the last minute, except for the carefully selected 3 crochet WIPS (work in progress)). I often send a photograph of my extremely bad packing to my daughter to irritate her. She packs with a neatness that most certainly did not come from me, and often asks if I am really her mother.

I headed to the airport with magic wand (hook) in hand.

The airport was a nightmare! Crowded with people enjoying school holidays. Check-in took way longer than the length of my patience. I was glad when I could find a quiet corner (well as quiet as a busy airport will allow.) and wait for my plane.

Out came the crochet, and I sat working away on my latest design 'Flight of the Dragonflies'. I find crochet can often be a topic of interest for those waiting around you, and conversation often begins with people interested in what I am working on.

Pattern availabe soon. Flight of the Dragonflies. Made from Scheepjes Whirl and Whirlette.

Finally boarding time and I get to my seat. A father and his teenage son were already in my seating row. The teenager must have disliked his allocated seat (which was middle, row) and decided that my allocated window seat was nicer. I certainly was not sitting in the middle between his father and him, so I politely chucked him out of my seat. Just as well he moved over or I most certainly would have stuck him a few times with my crochet hook to get his attention. He was rather lucky I was feeling in a good mood and had my crochet to immerse myself in, once seated.

I had a couple of hours waiting in Cairns for my husband to arrive as he was on another flight, so again out with the crochet. More conversation with interested people, often oohing and ahhing over the blanket I am making.

Then came the short road trip to Port Douglas. Hubby drove so I could crochet.

Crochet while road tripping. Dragonflies squares that I am in the design stage of. Made using Bendigo Woollen Mill Cotton in 8ply

We had several pleasant days in Port Douglas with my middle child, who had been working in the area this year. One of our days away was spent Tree Surfing in the Daintree Rainforest. This involves zip lining in the tree tops, at times more than 17 metres up. I happened to be last in the group to go down the zip-line each time.

My watch

So there I was with the male guide on the platform and he spots my watch. It has a crochet look band and face to it. He exclaims 'is that a crochet watch?' So I told him about my watch and about designing crochet. While he was re-clipping my harness ready to go on the next length of zip-line, he was asking me all about my crochet. His mother and sister were avid hookers and so he wanted information to pass on to them.

At the end of the trip, this guide comes up to me with pen and paper in hand, wanting me to write down my online information for his mother and sister. Who knows, if they did follow up, they may even be reading this. If so, all I can say is that you have a very lovely son/brother. He made our zip-lining very enjoyable.

And it just goes to show, crochet can be a topic of interest anywhere in the world!!

Even when you are hanging around upside-down, 17 metres in the air, in the middle of a rain forest!!!

Me just hanging around in the Daintree. Figured I may as well have a go at the zip-line upside-down. Was a real buzz!!!

This post may contain affiliate links.

The Brown Paper Bag Hat

By Auburncraft Design

Don't you just love purple! I do!!!

Firstly, you may be wondering why I named this ‘The Paper Bag Hat’.  I did so due to the way I have chosen to close the top of the hat.  It reminded me of the old-fashioned brown paper bags from my days working in a local Supermarket. 

I started as a Checkout Chick in my teens and the registers were all push button (but not in the digital sense).  I would have to ask each customer if they would like a box, or a bag for their purchases.  If they wanted a bag I would grab one from the pile of neatly stacked brown paper bags and open it up.  The bags had a square bottom, and the sides had a concertina fold.  So totally different from the tons of plastic bags that are in supermarket now. Know doubt many people over the years would also love me to put a paper bag over my head so now I can!

Materials: (click on any of the yarn names to source them)

1 x Stylecraft special dk Mocha. Colour 1. (C1)

1 x Stylecraft special dk Cream. Colour 2 (C2)

1 x Stylecraft special dk Parma violet. Colour 3 (C3)

1 x Ice Magic Light White, Lilac, Brown. Colour 4 (C4) or

Alternate yarn instead of Ice Magic.  Stylecraft Life Changes

USA Terms used

Hook 4mm G

Darning Needle

Scissors

Stitch Markers

Notes: DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND READTHE NOTES

Once you have your chains to start done, you can place themaround the head you are making the hat for and adjust if you think it will notbe the right size.   The starting chains must be dividable by 3 sothe pattern will work. 

It is a good idea to sew the ends in as you go and to eitheruse a stitch marker or count your stitches so you don’t lose one of them asthey are slippery little suckers and tend to hide.

Ch1 stitch to begin rounds does not count as a stitch.

If you find it too confusing on the rows that you work inthe round, you can just slip stitch each round closed.  Doing the rows in the round as stated in thepattern will give a better look visually to the larger sections of sc.

Treble stitches on Round 31 which you place into the frontloops you made on Round 28 count as ast.   Don’t make Treble stitches tootight.

Finished Circumference: Adult Small 20 ½’ 52cm, Medium 22’ 56cm, Large 24’ 61cm

Gauge: 24 rows to 10cm . 17 stitches to 10cm

Difficulty Level Intermediate

Abbreviations.

Ch. Chain

Sl St. Slip Stitch.

St. Stitch

Sts. Stitches

Bl- Back Loop

Scbl.  Single Crochet Back Loop Only.

Notes: DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND READTHE NOTES

Once you have your chains to start done, you can place themaround the head you are making the hat for and adjust if you think it will notbe the right size.   The starting chains must be dividable by 3 sothe pattern will work. 

It is a good idea to sew the ends in as you go and to eitheruse a stitch marker or count your stitches so you don’t lose one of them asthey are slippery little suckers and tend to hide.

Ch1 stitch to begin rounds does not count as a stitch.

If you find it too confusing on the rows that you work inthe round, you can just slip stitch each round closed.  Doing the rows in the round as stated in thepattern will give a better look visually to the larger sections of sc.

Treble stitches on Round 31 which you place into the frontloops you made on Round 28 count as ast.   Don’t make Treble stitches tootight.

Hat

With C1.  Ch 75 (81,87) Do not twist Chain.  Slst to first chto form a ring.

Rnd 1: (Right Side): Ch1. Sc in same Ch asjoining and in each Ch around. Slst into back loop of first sc. Turn. – 75(81,87) sts.

Rnd 2: Ch1. Bl only, Sc in each st around.Slst to join.  Turn. Fasten off and cutyarn.

Rnd 3: Attach C4 in same st as join. Ch1. Blonly, Sc in each st around. Slst to join. Turn.

Rnd 4:Bl only. Sc in each st around. Slst to join. Turn. Fasten off and cut yarn.

Back or hat.

Rnds 5-6: With C3, repeat Rnds 3-4.

Rnds7-8: With C4, repeat Rnds 3-4.

 Rnds 9-10:With C2, repeat Rnds 3-4,

Rnds 11-12 With C4, repeat Rnds 3-4

Rnds 13-14 With C3, repeat Rnds 3-4

Rnds 15-16 With C4, repeat Rnds 3-4

Rnds 17-18 With C1. Repeat Rnds 3-4

Rnd 19:  With C4. Sc Bl only  into each Sc around.  Do not cut or turn.

Rnd 20: Continue working in the round and usea marker to show where each row starts. Shift the marker after each round to the next row.  Sc into both loops.

Rnds 21-22-23-24-25-26-. Repeat Rnd 20

Rnd 27:  Sc into each St around. Close round with Slst.

Rnd 28: Ch1. * Scbl1, sc2*   Repeat from *to * around. Close round with a Slst. Insert stitch marker 75(81, 87) sts.

Rnd 29: Ch1. Sc around.  Close round with a Slst.

Rnd 30. Repeat round 29. Do not cut yarn

Rnd 31. Change to C3. Ch1, Sc1 into same st.Tr2tg the first part of this will go into the loop in Rnd 28 that has thestitch marker in it.  The second partinto the next free loop.  This counts asone st on row 31 (or the row you are working on).  Sc2. *Tr2tg first part into same st as before and second part into the nextfree loop, sc2*  Repeat from *  to * around. Sc1. Close round with a Slst. Cutyarn. 25 (27,29) v’s

Rnd 32, 33, 34:  Continue with C4. Ch 1.  Sc in all stitches around.  Do not close round, continue onto the next round with sc. (this round will work in a spiral. 75(81, 87) sts. Keep using a st marker to mark the start of each round.

Rnd 35:  Sc around. Close this round with a Slst atStitch marker point.

Rnd 36: Repeat row 28

Rnds 37-38: Repeat row 29

Rnd 39:  Using C2. Repeat row 31

Rnds 40-41-42: Continue with C4. Ch 1.  Sc in all stitches around.  Do not close round, (this round will beworked in a spiral). Continue onto the next round with Sc .75(81, 87) sts.Place a St marker at the end of the round.

Rnd 43:  Continue with Sc around.  Close this round with  Slst at St marker.

Rnd 44: Repeat row 28

Rnds 45-46 :Repeat row 29

Rnd 47: Using C1 Repeat row 31

Rnd 48-49-50-51.  Continue with C4. Ch1.  Sc in all stitches around.  Do not close round, continue onto the nextround with Sc. 75(81, 87) sts.  Place aSt marker to show the end of each round. Fasten off and cut yarn.

Rnd 52-53-54:  Attach C1. Sc in all stitches around.  Do not close round, continue onto the next round with sc. Place a St marker to show the end of each round.  Fasten off and cut yarn. 75(81, 87) sts.

Closing the top of the Hat:

Step One: Lay the hatflat  and neatly folded into half.  Measure in 3.5 “(3.”, 3.9’”inches) 9 (10, 10)cm.

Step one.

 

Step Two:

Tuck the measured section in on itself or folded in onitself. 

Step two.

Step Three:

With your darning needle and C1.  Use tacking stitches to hold the fold inplace for when you crochet around it.

Step three.

Step Four:

Repeat the last three steps on the other side.

Step Five:

Starting at a fold edge, attach yarn and slip stitch the twolayers of the fold together.  Slst acrossthe middle top of the hat and onto the left-hand fold edge.  Fasten off and cut.

Step five.

Step Six:

Done!!!

You will now have two folded edges remaining to do.  Attach the yarn at one of them and Slstacross to close.  Fasten off andcut.  Attach yarn at other fold edge, slst across to close.

Sew in any ends.

A free Pdf version of this pattern is available on Ravelry (Click here). Please give some of my pattern some love if you visit and pop a few in your favourites.

Now for the Boring Stuff!!!

Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern, You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Please do not resell my patterns.

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.

Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.

This pattern has been tested by a large group of pattern testers, with varying abilities in crochet.

If you are on Ravelry, please add your finished photos as projects as I love to see your finished work.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Mosaic Filet Crochet Lap Blanket

If you love the Mosaic patterns and the look of Tessellated Tiles, then this will be a favourite for you.

The pattern is available on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here) and

Love Crochet (click here).

Mosaic Filet Lap Blanket. Made from Bendigo Woollen Mill 8 ply Dk Cotton In Parchment.

I have been staring at patterns created by Tessellated Tiles for ages. My mind has been busy working up a pattern, using the shapes that mimic these tiles. I have to say I am pretty darn excited by the results.

I love Filet Crochet! It is simple and gives a very effective finished product, which is easily achievable for most levels of crochet ability.

For some additional tips on how to keep your Filet work looking Fab-U-lous, take a look at my blog post on this topic. Here is the link: https://auburncraftcrochet.com/2019/08/16/filet-crochet-keeping-it-neat/

This pattern comes in both graph and written format. There are pictures to help along the way as well.

I used Bendigo Woollen Mill Cotton 8ply/Dk, which is super soft and beautiful to work with. My testers used various yarns with success.

Materials:

3 BendigoWoollen Mills 8ply/Dk in Parchment. 485m/530yd per ball. Approx 1455m/1591yd intotal.

3.5mm hook

Gauge:

18 Stitchesto 10cm/4”.  12 Rows to 10cm/4”.

IndividualDouble Crochet stitch height is 8mm/0.31”

Blanketheight to top of Row 20 - 17.7cm/7”

Finished Measurements:

82cm/32.2”Wide

117cm/46” High.

Some yarns that make great substitutes: (click on names for links)

Paintbox Cotton Dk

Rico Creative Cotton Dk

And for an acrylic substitute:

Stylecraft Special Dk

Below: (Pictured) are a few of my testers blankets. They look super fantastic!!! As usual a huge thank you to all those who tested for me.

Left: Amanda Corniello test blanket. Made from Premier Dk Everyday Baby yarn in Fog Grey. 3.5mm hook. Approx 1300m of yarn used.
Right: Simone Howes test blanket. Made from Bendigo Woollen Mills 4 ply/ Fingering Cotton in Wisp Grey. 3mm hook used. Approx 1250m of yarn used.

Left: Sharon C Coys Elderton test blanket. Made from Stylecraft Special Dk in white.
Right; Michelle Rose test blanket. Made from Caron one pound, worsted weight in Limeade.

Now for the Boring Stuff!!!

Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern, You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Please do not resell my patterns.

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.

Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items. No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design.

This pattern has been tested by a large group of pattern testers, with varying abilities in crochet.

If you are on Ravelry, please add your finished photos as projects as I love to see your finished work.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Fishing For Luck Crochet Shawl

This shawl was so much fun to make! Each time I added one of the little clovers that hang at the end, it felt like such an achievement. And they look so cute!!!

Working from a Scheepjes Whirl cake is always a blast. The excitment of reaching each colour change in the yarn cake! I just love it!!!

The pattern for this beauty is available on Ravelry (click here),

Etsy (click here) and Love Crochet (click here).

Take the Clover Challenge!!!

CLOVER CHALLENGE. We all know that a four leaf clover is a rare thing!! This shawl has three leaf clovers throughout. The challenge is to place one (JUST ONE) four leaf clover somewhere in the shawl. Show off your finished shawl on ravelry and link it to my pattern.

Fishing for Luck Shawl. Scheepjes Whirl in Scrumptious Lush!

The pattern comes in UK and USA terms and now available in NL Terms (Dutch). It uses a 3.5mm/E hook and one cake of Scheepjes Whirl.

The pattern has been tested by a fabulous group of crochet super heroes, with some incredible results. Below picture shows some of the test shawl results.

Top Left: Dulcy Harris Test Shawl.  Made from Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball.  Colour Feng Shui Grey. H/5mm Hook

.

Top Middle: Amanda Haynes Test Shawl.

Top Right:

Amy Belanger Dreffs Test Shawl. Made from Lion Brand Mandala in Centaur.  2.5 cakes used. 5mm hook

Bottom Left:

Denise Cullen Test Shawl.  Made from Scheepjes Whirl in Brambleberry.

Bottom Middle:

Hannah Schmuker Test Shawl. Made from Lion Brand Mandala.  E Hook.  12 pattern repeats.

Bottom Right:

Amy Elizabeth Peterson Test Shawl. Made from Yarn Bee Rainbow Wrapsody in Gerbera Daisy. 3mm hook

denise-canberra-show.jpg

Congratulations to Denise Cullen. Her Fishing for Luck Shawl took out 2nd at the Canberra Royal Show. What an achievement. I really do only use the very best pattern testers as their work is exceptional.

Now for the Boring Stuff!!!

Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern, You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Please do not resell my patterns.

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.

Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design.

This pattern has been tested by a large group of pattern testers, with varying abilities in crochet.

If you are on Ravelry, please add your finished photos as projects as I love to see your finished work.

Boho Bikini Wrap Crochet Pattern.

Sometimes the cogs in my brain just start turning, and an idea pops into my head that just has to be turned into reality.

The other week I had the idea for the Boho Bikini Wrap and I found myself grabbing for my magic wand (crochet hook) and working away in a designer frenzy.

Boho Bikini Wrap modelled by Layne.

Which as the dictionary states is:

frenzy/ˈfrɛnzi

  1. a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behaviour."Auburncraft Design worked herself into a frenzy of rage"synonyms:hysteria, madness, mania, insanity, derangement, dementedness, delirium, feverishness, fever, wildness, distraction, agitation, turmoil, tumult; wild excitement, euphoria, elation, ecstasy; informalcraziness; raredeliration"the crowd (change to,no just me) worked themselves (herself) into a state of frenzy"fit, seizure, paroxysm, spasm, bout, outburst;ferment, fever, storm"she contorted her face in a frenzy of anger (perhaps change this one to crochet excitement)"

Well, whatever. I guess you are getting the picture!

The results of this frenzy are the Boho Bikini Wrap. The pattern is available on Ravelry (click here), Etsy (click here). Soon also on Love Crochet. The pattern is available in Uk and USA terms

This cute little wrap can be used as a bikini accessory or even a belt. It looks great over both bikinis, leggings, jeans etc. The fringe length can be adjusted to suit your height or style.

Worn over leggings.

I am fortunate enough to have some fantastic friends who are willing to loan out their daughters to model for me.

My main model for this is over 6ft tall, and an approx Australian size 8. She is a fantastic person and even though she was laid up with her foot in a moon boot, due to breaking it playing rugby, she didn't hesitate to throw on a swim suit and model for me.

Now to the boring stuff.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Many hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern, You are purchasing/downloading this pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Please do not resell my patterns.

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.

Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.

This pattern has been tested by a large group with varying abilities in crochet.

If you are on Ravelry, please add your finished photos as projects as I love to see your finished work.

Velvet Scrunchie with Picot Edge

Velvet Scrunchies seem to be everywhere at the moment. I thought I would jump on the band wagon and do my own little version. These are something that I tend to wear often. They can be useful to keep my long hair out of the way when working out at the gym.

I don't know about anyone else, but sewing items together is not a huge favourite of mine. These Scrunchies pretty much a no sew item. That is of course if you don't count sewing in the tails created, but two tails I can cope with.

These are super easy! Super fast to make and super fun!!!

The free pattern is available below in USA terms. For Uk terms and a pdf version (also free), you can visit my ravelry store (click here) or my Love Crochet page (click here) and download it free!!! If you download from ravelry please give my patterns some love and add a few to your favourites!!!

Velvet Scrunchie with Picot Edge.

Materials:

5mm/H hook

Bernat Velvet (click here)

Elastic Hair Tie(available at most pharmacies and many retail stores).

Needle tosew in ends.

Hair Elastic. Bernat Velvet

Notes:

  • This is worked in a continuous spiral.
  • Follow the instructions in Row 1 to prevent twisting of the starting  chain.
  • Numbers in rows indicate corresponding photographs. Example [5]
  • Do not make the starting chain overly tight.  A 6mm/I hook can be used for the starting chains or a foundation row can be substituted, if you find it necessary.
  • Add a stitch marker at the beginning of the row to easily count your rows.
  • Count your stitches each row.
  • Stitch counts appear at the end of each row. Example [20].
  • Gauge and finished measurements are not applicable for this project.

Abbreviations:

Ch- Chain.

Hk- Hook.

Yo- Yarn over.

St- Stitch.

Sc- Single Crochet.

Rs- Right Side.

Slst- Slip Stitch.

Row 1:  [1]Ch10.  Remove hook from Ch and insert Hk throughfirst Ch (furthest from hook) and working Ch. With both loops on Hk, Ch 35. Toclose the Ch and form a circle Yo and pull through both loops on Hk. [45]

Pictures 1 and 2

Row 2:  [2]Ch1 (does not countas a St).  Sc into same Ch and into eachCh around. Do not close round. Place a St marker to indicate beginning ofrounds.  [45]

Row 3:  Continue in a spiral.  Sc into each St. Do not close round. [45]

Row 4:   Sc into each St. Do not close round. [45]

Row 5:  [3] Sc into each St. Donot close round. [45]

Pictures 3, 4, 5, 6

Row 6:  [4] With RS facing,place elastic hair band to the back of the Scrunchie. [5] [6]  Fold the Scrunchie over the elastic. Work 1 Scthrough Row 1 and Row 5 inserting hk through both and enclosing hair elastic. [7]  Do not close round. [45]

Pictures 7 and 8

(Round 7 is optional to add picots)

Row 7:  Ch4 (counts as Scand 3 Chs), Slst into third Ch from Hk (picot made).  Sc into next 3 Sts. [Ch3, Slst into third Chfrom Hk. Sc into next 3 Sts]x13. Ch3, Slst into third ch from Hk. Slst to Ch1at beginning or round.  Fasten off andcut yarn. 

Sew in ends.

Now for the boring stuff!!!

This pattern is free and will remain free unless it is found that this is being abused. Even free patterns have copyright. To read about my last bad experience with a limited time free pattern, please go to my blog https://auburncraftcrochet.com/2019/03/26/crochet-pattern...

This pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwiss. This includes posting a copy of my PDF to your own web page or facebook group. Please do not resell my patterns.

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.

Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.

This pattern has been tested by my very capable band of testers.  If you do find an error please let me know. 

This post may contain affiliate links 

What is Crochet1?

I guess the answer to that is in the eye of the beholder!The Dictionary says this: 

Crochet is a handicraft in which yarn is made up into a textured fabric by means of a hooked needle. "a crochet hook".

Some who don't like or get Crochet may answer like this:

"Crochet is a complete waste of time and money".

But to those of us who know the true secret of Crochet and the wonder of creating it is much more.

You see, you get (or are maybe given) this magic wand (crochet hook).  You wave this wand and incredible things appear.  Well, that is what is meant to happen.  Sometimes there is a lot of frustration along the way.  A lot of Frogging and the occasional swear word all added into the mix.

We crochet because we enjoy creating something of beauty.  We crochet to help avoid stress.  To keep our minds active.  To create that item for our loved ones, that is unique and special.

And to those who don't get the need to Crochet I say "Full Speed Ahead and damn the torpedoes.  Hooks (or wands), Charge!!!"

poodles 1

poodles 1

Crochet... Entering Local Agricultural Shows.

If you have ever given thought to entering local events that judge crochet, but have just not been game enough to go ahead, I say re-think this, as entering show, events etc can be a positive thing.

Sure I have had a few unpleasant experiences. Take the larger show that miss labelled my king size afghan and then decided to sell it for approximately half of what it was worth. And if that wasn't bad enough, try adding the fact that the Afghan they sold, was not actually for sale. I almost got into a tug of war with the supposed new owners of my Afghan, on trying to retreive it. But this is hopefully an isolated incident!!!

A few years back I stumbled across an advertisment for local upcoming show. It had a schedule of events, with sections that could be entered for Arts and Crafts. I thought about this for a good while, wondering if any of my crochet could possibly be good enough to enter.

I decided to take the plunge and enter. I spent a bit of time figuring out how to fill out the forms and where to drop my crochet beauties off etc. Then I waited for the big day to come. Finding I had won a couple of prizes was a huge buzz.

I have been entering the local shows ever since. Sometimes I do well, sometimes not as well. It can all be a little cloak and dagger. You find yourself stalking posts in local crochet groups as to who is entering what, and trying to size up the competition to see if what they have produced might be better. Doing this, is of course a complete waste of time, as you really never can tell what a judge will decide to really like, or perhaps not like.

Over the past few years I have gained quite a few ribbons for my efforts and a couple of times even taken out Best in Show and runner up to Grand Champion. I received lovely big sashes for those effort.

Best in Show Crochet Section

I had the pleasure of dropping a few items off this morning, to the final show of the year in my area. It is a small show, and drop off is in a small hall in a rural community. I parked the car outside and could hear the ladies calling out to me as I grabbed my crochet from the back of the car. The excitement in their voices, with the prospect of someone bringing interesting goodies was evident and they showed it with a ton of enthusiasm.

They remembered me from last year and began going through my entries, oohing and ahhhing, over each and every one. They especially liked my Technicolour Yawn vest and my Leadlight Afghan.

Technicolour Yawn Vest. Made using freeform technique

Leadlight Afghan. pattern available on ravelry

One lady suggested I try my vest on to show them, and do a modelling session. I smiled and told her that they were all welcome to try it on, and model it themselves. I drove away wondering if they were now all giggling and strutting around in my Technicolour Yawn Vest.

I will now have to wait and see if I am lucky enough to win something. Regardless, it brightened my day to see how excited these women were over what they were doing. I even had one of the ladies, reach for a crochet blanket she was working on, to ask advice on how to join squares and avoid that ridge you can get when joining using a Single Crochet method.

All in all it was a pleasant experience.

Amanda Christening Blanket

Following on from my two triangle shawls, Clematis Shawl and Vintage Clematis Shawl (shawl pictures and links at bottom of page), and at the suggestion of one of my testers, I designed this really cute Christening blanket. The pattern is available on Ravelry (click here) and Love Crochet (click here).

The blanket is named after the tester, who decided I should turn this design into a blanket. And so it became the 'Amanda Christening Blanket'.

I wanted something that was special, and had a special border that stood out. I think I have achieved that goal with this blanket.

It has spent the past month with my testers, who have helped to make the pattern what it is. They impressed me not only with finding my errors (or what I like to call my Boo, Boos), but they also used varied yarns and the results were really amazing.

Amanda Christening Blanket

4mm/G hook

·       4 x James C Brett Supersoft Shade BB4 290m/317yd per ball. Total yarn used approx. 1100m/1202yd.

brett-yarn.jpg

James C Brett Supersoft available on Love Crochet

The choice of yarn can define a pattern and how it looks. I used James C Brett Dk (click here). Below are a few example of my testers work and what they produced. I love them all!!!

Top Left: Blanket by Hannah Schmaker, made from scrap yarn and achieving a boho look.

Bottom Left: Blanket by Sharon C Coys Elderton, very pretty in Robin Paintbox.

Centre: Blanket by Leslie Hanson, gorgeous in blue.

Right: Blanket by Kathy Mant, in soft grey using Patons Big Baby 4 Ply and 3.5mm hook.  Pram size

L

eft: Blanket by Jane Wynne made from Kartopu Love Cotton Prints. Right: Blanket by Amy Elizabeth Peterson made from Bernat Baby Softee. Both came out looking fabulous!

Clematis shawl available on Love Crochet (click here), Ravelry (click here) and on Etsy (click here). Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball available (click here).

clem-shawl-collage-mindful-1024x537.png

Clematis Shawl made from Lion Brand Shawl in a Cake in Mindful Mauve

Vintage Clematis Shawl available on Love Crochet (click here), Ravelry (click here) and on Etsy (click here). Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball available (click here).

fleur-shawl-1-wm3.jpg

Vintage Clematis Shawl made from Cleckheaton Fleur

This post contains affiliate links. These links help to keep my blog open.

Just a Little Bit Batik, Shawl, Capelet, Shrug, Wrap.

Pattern available on Ravelry (Click here for link), Etsy(Click here for link) and Love Crochet.

This uses simple stitches and surface slip stitch to create an interesting textured look. Stylecraft Batik is used for best results. This is available on Love Crochet.

For me the design process is a journey!

Yes, I know. You are now thinking 'Oh she used the journey word, I'm out of here'. Can't say I like sentences that begin that way myself!

I mean it in almost a literal kind of way. I start with one idea in my head and end up taking a few turns along the way. I headed down the motorway of crochet, decided to take one of the exits and ended up in the side streets in a very cute little boho town.

My mind just kicks into overdrive and what I began to make, morphs into something else.

This was the case with this beauty! I find myself looking at it and making mmmmmmmmm noises.

Just a Little Bit Batik began its life thinking it was going to be a basic shawl. Somewhere along the way, the gremlins that keep the cogs in my brain moving, decided to go rogue and it ended up something a little bit more and I would like to think, a little bit more special.

It is now a Shawl/Shrug/Capelet/Wrap (to be honest I have no idea how to classify it) and rather puffed up with itself for being special. It is designed to be worn with the top edge rolled back to form a collar and a button closure to hold it in place.

It's a really unique fashion accessory that I would wear! And while I do tend to have a bit of an 'out there' style of dress sense (or so I have been told), I hope that this pattern will be loved by many.

It is colourful! And I love colour! It is also an easy crochet project and beginner friendly!

When I design something, I don't really think about it in the sense of what may, or may not be a popular item for people to want to purchase. I think about what I like and what appeals to my ideas of what colour, and shape should be. I like original things and will always be the crazy person wearing the tie dye leggings, or the over the top sunglasses. I don't care if they are in fashion. I wear what makes me happy! I design what makes me happy! And if it makes others happy too, all the better!

I can see a blanket in this same style in the near future!!!

This post may contain affiliate links. These help to keep my blog open.

Checking Gauge. Does it Really Matter?

I speak to so many people about their crochet projects, and the question of gauge comes up often. Many will admit that they NEVER check gauge. I know, I often don't bother.


Sure at times you can just pick up your magic wand (hook) and start hooking away and everything will turn out wonderful.

This won't always be the case. The necessity to check gauge, can very much depend upon the type of project you are making. Things like blankets, scarves and dishclothes will give you a free pass, as it really doesn't matter if they are a little bigger or smaller.

Clothing is one area that can end in disaster if gauge is not checked.

Checking gauge may be a pain, but it is much better to do so, than to find out half way through that gorgeous vest/coat/top etc pattern, that you spent a fortune on yarn for and fell in love with, could fit half your family inside it and still have room, when sadly you were making a size small.

Or that cute baby hat you wanted to gift to a newborn actually fits you. You could wait to this baby is a teenager to gift it, cross your fingers the newborn is blessed with a huge head or resolve the issue by checking gauge.

If gauge is not checked you can also find yourself running out of yarn. Yarn quantities stated in a pattern, will be dependant on your project turning out the same size as the designers. This can then make that blanket ( yes, the one that gauge didn't really matter on) unfinished. You ran out of yarn on the last few rows, as yours is several inches larger than the designers, so you need an extra Skein or two. Then you find yourself in panic mode, as maybe you can't get this yarn any longer, or perhaps you can but the dye lot is SO different, that extra skein stands out like a neon light.

How to Check Gauge:

  1. Using the yarn your project requires, and the stitch used in the pattern, make a 4"/10cm x 4"/10cm square.
  2. Place your square on a flat surface and lay a tape measure horizontally over the stitches.
  3. Count how many stitches you have in 4"/10cm.
  4. Now turn the tape measure vertical and count how many rows you have in 4"/10cm.
  5. If your measurements show that you have less stitches than the designers, you need to go up a hook size till you have the same.
  6. If your measurements show that you have more stitches than the designers, you need to go down a hook size till you have the same.


Altering your hook size and yarn choice can often fix many gauge issues, but not all.

In many crochet articles, you will see them mention Lifters, Riders, and Yankers.

  • Lifters pull up on the loops, making them higher than the working row.
  • Yankers pull their work tight, making it very snug
  • Riders keep stitches closer to the working row.

I know my own stitches tend to be shorter in height and tighter, or closer to other stitches, than most peoples.

This was really evident during the testing process of my Billy Thunder Tote. My testers were having cupping issues (circle would not lay flat) with the mandala type bag. It took a lot of work, but we finally got the pattern through testing. Many of my USA Treble stitches were the same height as the testers USA Double crochet. A few adjustments had to be made, and stitch heights for each row, added to the pattern to make it user friendly and suit most.

If after you have tried adjusting hook size, and still cannot meet gauge, it may be your stitch heights causing the problem. Fixing this is possible, and best tutorial I have found to address the stitch height issue is by Crochet Ever After (click name).

Billy Thunder Tote. Beaded both sides.

So, next time you are itching to start that new project, stop for a minute and think about gauge. It may save you a lot of trouble later.

Vintage Clematis Shawl

Pattern just released this week. This is a simplified version of my Clematis Shawl. The flowers appear at the edge only. The pattern is available on Love Crochet, Ravelry and Etsy.

*Ravelry Discount . For two weeks only (till 26th Aug 19) buy both the Clematis Shawl and the Vintage Clematis Shawl using the code 'Clematis' and get both for $6. *

Vintage Clematis Shawl made from Vintage Cleckheaton Fleur 8Ply

This was made from Vintage Cleckheaton Fleur, found in a local Opportunity/Thrift Store. It was just begging to come home with me, and so I granted its wish! I enjoy finding treasures (like this yarn)in these shops. When you spot a find like this, it kind of makes you want to do an arm pump in the middle of the store and yell, 'Yes, score!' Maybe I did do that or maybe I didn't, you just had to be there!!!

Kelly Thompson Shoemaker's test shawl. Bernat Baby Sport yarn used.

My testers did a steller job of testing this. One of my testers used Lion Brand Pound of Love (available here). Another chose Bernat Baby Sport (available here) and an adjusted hook size.

I love anything refurbished. There is nothing like taking something that has been discarded and turning it into something useful.

I have quite a habit of improvising, instead of spending money on items or tools for a specific job, it is much more satisfying to use an everyday item you have on hand and adapt it.

One of the items I repurposed is a broken mini fridge. My delivery man was getting a bit snippy as the letterbox was too small for the many parcels (most likely yarn) that were arriving. So hubby and I went to the re-cycling centre attached to the local tip. We found this mini fridge and so home it came. I spent a few dollars on paints and set about turning it into a unique parcel container.

Fridge refurbished into a parcel fridge.

I think my delivery guy was quite impressed, and now has tons of room to shove all those parcels of yarn arriving at my place.

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